Significantly increased requirements regarding the environmental compatibility of combustion engines require more specific measures for reductions in consumption and emissions. Every modification to the...

The development of new propulsion systems for future vehicle generations is, among other aspects, characterized by: stringent legislative requirements, increasing system complexity and variety,
further...

Engine Friction Investigations at FEV

29. April 2015 | Software & Testing Solutions

Increasing efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions are main objectives in the development of modern internal combustion engines. The reduction of the engine’s mechanical friction losses can make an important contribution. FEV offers a complete investigation program on both a simulation and measurement basis to optimize engine friction (Fig. 1).

For friction measurements, various methods are used. The piston friction force measurement system PIFFO, which is based on the “floating liner method,” can directly measure the friction force between the piston, piston rings and cylinder liner as a function of crank angle. Next to indication method-based fired friction measurements, motored measurements are performed according to the FEV strip method wherein, for friction measurement of the individual engine components, the engine is dismounted step-by-step.

Especially in the field of motored friction investigations, FEV has many years of experience with over 800 measurements on about 540 different engines (Fig. 2). The measurement data are summarized together with their respective geometric engine data in the world’s largest friction database. This allows with the help of empirical equations – next to the benchmark of engine component friction in scatter bands – the preliminary design and optimization of geometrical boundary conditions of engine components as a friction reduction measure. The design and optimization tools of FEV can support the entire development process for a friction optimized engine from the early concept phase through the start of production (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1: Friction Reduction by using Simulation and Measurement

In all cases of friction measurements, especially for purpose-developed test benches, this is very important in order to achieve the highest possible accuracy. The highest demands are made on the conditioning systems (e.g., for oil, coolant, air intake, etc.), e-machines including their control system, torque measurements and, where appropriate, the indication measurement technique. For all of these needs, FEV offers tailor-made solutions for both individual test bench components as well as complete test bench concepts.

We look forward to supporting your friction reduction development process with simulation and measurement and by providing appropriate test bench solutions to create the basis for independent friction measurements.

Fig. 2: Number of tested engines and measurements carried out by the FEV strip method